The solar array is expected to produce 18.4 million kilowatt hours annually, eliminating an estimated 12,689 metric tons of “carbon equivalent” emissions from the atmosphere annually or the equivalent of removing the carbon dioxide emissions produced by approximately 2,500 cars.

NJR is a subsidiary of New Jersey Resources. It said the 14.1 megawatt solar system is its largest single investment and will generate enough electricity to significantly offset the need for other energy sources to run McGraw-Hill’s data center offices.

McGraw-Hill said in June last year the energy capturing field of solar panels would spread out across 50 acres and help to power up their expansion into digital publishing.

The Minute Maid plant on Route 33 closed down in 2003 after its owner, Coca-Cola North America, decided the operation could not keep up with global trends in efficient processing. About 280 jobs were lost to the local community.

The McGraw-Hill data center opened on Princeton Hightstown Road in 2008.